Prehistoric people and environment
Dr John Grindrod and Ms Isabel Ellender
8 points
* 4 hours per week
* First semester
* Peninsula
*
Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in geography, or permission of the head of
department
Objectives In researching the literature on the ecological history of humans, students completing this subject should gain a broad knowledge of the biological and cultural evolution of humans through the Quaternary period; a sound understanding of the environmental context in which human development proceeded; an appreciation of the ecological role of early humans and their increasing environmental impact in the old world and the native lands; a first-hand knowledge of selected prehistoric localities and features in Victoria; and a familiarity with modern archaeological and palaeoenvironmental techniques.
Synopsis This subject traces the evolution of humans in Africa from hominid precursors, through the current palaeontological evidence for the development of the genus Homo. Modern humans are defined in genetic and evolutionary terms as a close ape relative. The movement of humans out of Africa and subsequent world colonisation is reviewed, while the characteristics which set humans apart from other animals is critically examined, with reference to animal precursors to human behavioural traits. The archaeological evidence for the development of tool use, and increasingly complex lifestyles is also reviewed. With this background, the ecology of pre-industrial people and the nature of long-standing relationships with environment are explored. An overview of the early arrival and sustained ecological influence of people in the Australasian region, linked to the social mechanisms and perceptions of modern indigenous peoples, provides an important insight into people-environment interactions.
Assessment Written (2000 words): 30%
* Practical/field reports (2000
words): 30%
* Examination (2 hours): 40%
Prescribed texts
Diamond J The rise and fall of the third chimpanzee Vintage, 1993
Dodson J The naive lands Longman Cheshire, 1993
Flannery T The future eaters Reed Books, 1994
Recommended texts
Fagan B People of the earth Scott, Foresman and Co, 1989
Flood J Archaeology of the Dreamtime Collins, 1989
White J and O'Connell J Prehistory of Australia, New Guinea and Sahul Academic Press, 1982
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